Day 1 — Brooklyn Historical Society

How will museums keep their audiences interested and engaged?

Today we met with Marcia Ely, VP of Programs and External Affairs, and Paul Pearson, Manager of Special Projects. I was interested in hearing about their career paths and the experiences that brought them to the place where they are now.

Marcia’s background was in writing and producing for television — she seems perfect for her role: a mix of entertainment, information, PR, and leadership. Paul is an artist and has extensive experience in developing exhibition spaces and understands the fundamental ways in which we communicate to our audiences through exhibitions and material culture.

Both were interested in finding new ways to tell old stories, or stories that haven’t had a chance to be told. It was interesting to hear about the progress that has occurred and how BHS has evolved since 1863. To hear about the regularly scheduled strategic planning was interesting, especially considering that perhaps removing exhibition space is theoretically on the table. Listening is a strong objective at BHS. I have to admit that part of me is still a little skeptical about the degree to which the community would be consulted about the change, but that is more due to my own personal experiences.

I hope to focus on ways in which museums in NYC are engaging with their surrounding communities, taking into consideration what their needs are, and empowering historically muted voices.